Monthly Archives: March 2015

One day, my daughter wanted to know more about the progression of school. Was first grade after kindergarten? Second after first? I took her through each step of the process, from elementary school all the way through graduate school. She … Continue reading →

Any of us can probably name a list of literary worlds, fantasy or not, that hooked us and wouldn’t let go. For me, that list includes Hogwarts, Lyra’s England in The Golden Compass, the underground prisons and above-world Tudor-cum-technological world … Continue reading →

My writing notebook was recently hijacked by a 6-year-old. My oldest daughter decided to use it to practice her handwriting. She also gave it a title, which it was, admittedly, lacking. Behold my notebook: This is my project journal, filled … Continue reading →

Here’s the thing about illustration notes: They are not illegal. They will not get you blackballed in the industry. They will not ensure that your story won’t sell. So what’s the problem? Why the general no-no vibe around authors peppering … Continue reading →

Most writers will tell you that good fiction is all about the show, not about the tell. Dialogue is one of the most important “showing” tools in a writer’s toolbox, but when it comes to writing exciting and believable dialogue … Continue reading →